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ONS statistician Nick Palmer said: "It's too soon to be certain but, with unemployment up for the first time since mid-2015, and employment seeing its slowest rise since that period, it's possible that recent improvements in the labour market may be easing off."

Average earnings increased by 1.8 per cent in the year to February, 0.3 per cent down on the previous month, mainly due to lower bonuses in the financial sector.

Employment increased by 20,000 in the quarter to February, the smallest rise in almost a year.

The UK's unemployment rate is now 5.1 per cent, down by 0.5 per cent on a year ago and the lowest since 2005.

Work and Pensions Secretary of State Stephen Crabb said: “We remain in a position of strength, with a record employment rate, wages continuing to grow steadily and three-quarters of a million vacancies available in the labour market.

“Work is essential in transforming the lives of the most disadvantaged people in society and is at the heart of our welfare reforms.

"We are committed to ensuring that everyone across the country benefits from our strong economy and the opportunities this brings."